Book Tour for Luca's Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso (Review & GIVEAWAY)

As a fan of paranormal stories I love discovering new-to-me series. Today at my site author Kym Grosso is here discussing the second book in her Immortals of New Orleans series, Luca's Magic Embrace. Also, just for commenting you can win a copy of both books in this exciting series.  So please welcome Kym by commenting below......

I’d like to thank Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess for having me today.  I really appreciate the opportunity to share my new release, Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), and also to share a guest blog with your readers about what it is like to publish a new release.  It is certainly an exciting time for an author, full of ups and downs; that is for certain.  I hope you enjoy my guest blog and thanks again for having me at Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess.....

The Emotional Side of a New Release, How Stressful Is It Really?

I was recently asked to write about an interesting topic, “The Emotional Side of a New Release.  How stressful is it really?”  As an author, I definitely believe there is an emotional aspect to publishing new a release as well as the marketing of it.  Writing a book is a creative process; we pour our hearts and souls into the creation of our work.Authors spend months, sometimes years, cultivating, revising and shining our babies, only to finally push them out to the public on “Release Day”.  We hope they will be loved as much as we love them, and bring joy to readers.  We are proud of our new work, and sometimes a little nervous as it becomes available to the public.  Often we sit on pins and needles, awaiting editorial and reader reviews and eventually, sales statistics.

For me, the releasing Luca’s Magic Embrace, has been an exhilarating experience. The best way I can describe being an author is that it is like being on a roller coaster.  I’ve learned that you need to roll with the ups (talking with readers, great reviews, good sales, cover reveals, etc.) and the downs (not-so-good reviews, open critiques, etc.). I try to look at the ensuing feedback, every comment, response and review, as a learning experience, so I can be cognizant of what readers like and incorporate those components into my next work of writing.

As far as the actual release day, I’m a new author (this is my second novel), so that means I’m still working on developing the best way to release a book.

For Luca’s book, I held a giveaway for a “Witchy” mug, Amazon gift cards and free eBooks, from other authors and me.  It was a wonderful way to get readers excited about what might be in the book.  During the months preceding the actual release day, I’d shared excerpts from my book on my website and Facebook page, building the crescendo of excitement.  Come release day, current and new readers were eagerly anticipating picking up Luca's Magic Embrace.

As far as stress levels, a subsequent book in a series does create pressure for an author in that we want the new book to be every bit as good as the first.  In my case, I am an emerging writer so I’ve tried to listen to reviewers from Kade’s Dark Embrace and refine my writing, all in an effort to create a better book than the first.  Did I succeed?  Hopefully, but honestly, it’s too early to tell.  What I have noticed with the new release is that I’ve picked up many new wonderful readers; some who’ve even taken the time to write me to tell me that they loved Luca’s book.  There’s really no way to express the feeling of gratitude and happiness I feel when this happens.  

In addition, I also learned what some people loved about my first book thatwasn’t in my second book.  Feedback runs the gamut.  Some current readers love it as much or more than the first,but some people wanted more of, for lack of a better term, a Kade-likecharacter/book. I try to understand what components they liked, so I can bring those elements again to future stories.  That being said, I do see each character as their own being, with their own unique story. While Kade’s book is more an action packed mystery, Luca’s is morean erotic romance.  In the Immortals of New Orleans series, each alpha male will have their own story to tell, with their own love interest and “happily-ever-after”.

As a reader, I can appreciate the feeling of “New Release” excitement as well. There are so many terrific authors whose books I love to read.  I wait eagerly, often months,for the new release, perhaps one in an existing series or for Book 1 of a new series.  Their new release either exceeds high my expectations or falls short.  Either way, if it is an author and series I love to read, I will continue on as a faithful reader.  And this is the reality of new releases.  We love some characters, but may feel lukewarm or hateothers.  As readers, the characters become real people to us, and we find ourselvesengrossed in the stories and wanting more.  

In the end, I believe that new releases areindeed stressful for authors, but in a good way and they are extraordinarily special experiences.  We celebrate our new novels with readers, friends and family after months and/or years of writing.  Hopefully, our works thrive, and we learn from both the positive and negative experiences associated with new releases, ultimately uplifting the quality of our work.

I, for one, look forward to future newreleases and plan to enjoy the roller coaster ride, including the ups, downs and occasional upside down loop.  Tristan’s book (Lyceum Wolves-Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) is in progress, and I’m beyond excited to write about his adventure and love story. He is definitely one of the hottest alpha males I’ve written about, and I am quite sure he’ll be steaming up the pages. I am already thinking up creative ways to market his “New Release”, which I am targeting for March 2013.

Thanks again to Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess for having me today!  It has been great to stop by and share a post with your readers!!!

An erotic paranormal romance...

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn't do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can't deny the enigmatic attraction he's developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he's determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

Samantha doesn't want to be a witch, yet that's exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha's worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who's been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?

EXCERPT:

Yes,” was the only word he heard in response to his proposal; Luca lost control. Passionately and provocatively, he took her with a hungry urgency. It wasn’t sweet. His mouth claimed hers, savagely taking what was his. The intoxicating nectar of Samantha only made him kiss her more deeply. He wanted her in a way that he’d never wanted any woman. Determined to possess every part of her body and mind in the moment, he would claim her tonight. She’d be his forever.
Luca tore his lips from hers. “Bedroom. Now,” he commanded. Leading her by her small soft hand, he stopped her before they got to his bed.
“I will have you tonight, Samantha. After tonight, you’ll never forget that you are mine. And I will be yours.”
Samantha silently nodded in response. She was ready to commit to this man, this vampire. Luca was everything she’d ever wanted in a male: strong, loving, trustworthy, and passionate. She knew in her heart that giving herself over to him was all she desired now and for her future.
Luca unraveled the belt on her robe, slid his fingers underneath the soft fabric and slowly pushed it off Samantha, letting his hands glide from the smooth skin of her shoulders to her hands. As the robe pooled at her feet, he gently took her hands in his. She stood bare before his eyes. “You’re enticing, Samantha. I cannot seem to get enough of you. So the question is, do you want to play with me tonight? Be honest with me, darlin’, because I plan to take you to places we’ve never been before.”
Samantha felt womanly, exposed to Luca. She trusted him completely as he released her hands and placed his on her waist. “Luca, please, hurry. I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you.”
“Well, I guess we’ll have to do something about that,” he smiled knowingly. “Turn around, face the wall. Don’t move unless I tell you. It’s time for some fun.”
Without question, she complied and waved her bottom at him, shooting him a sultry look that said, ‘come and get me’.
Luca loved how responsive she was under his direction. He didn’t ever bring women into his home, and certainly engaging in a little light bdsm was something he rarely did anymore. Yet he’d wanted to do this to her since the minute she’d danced with him in the club. Luca slid his hands slowly up the sides of her waist, under her arms, pushing them upward and placing the palms of her hands against the wall. With the same precision, he glided his hands back down her arms, waist, until finally, he reached her bottom.
“Samantha, you are everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman; beautiful, smart.” She let out a small moan; he rubbed his hard aching bulge against her. He wanted to fuck her right now, but he wouldn’t dare. No, he planned to make her beg for mercy as he slowly brought her to orgasm over and over.
Though he was still fully clothed, she could feel his magnificent erection against her bum. She wanted him in her now; she grew wet from the intense ache between her legs. “Please, Luca.”
His hands slid from her ass around to lie just beneath her sensitive bosom. She moved slightly to urge him to cup her breasts. He smiled, smelling the overwhelming scent of her desire, but he wanted to draw out the anticipation, tease her with delight. “No, no, no, darlin’. Not tonight. You don’t get to decide when or how the pleasure happens. You wanted to play, so play we shall,” he whispered into her ear. Goosebumps ran over her skin in response to his hot breath. “Tonight is about wanting what you can’t have until I give it to you. It’s about me savoring every stroke of your flesh. The ultimate pleasure, tasting you while you come, screaming my name. Now, do you want me to touch your lovely breasts? Tell me, Samantha.”

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE BOOK:

Luca's Magic Embrace starts off under the shadow of excitement and ends with one humdinger of a cliffhanger.  Between the start and finish comes a journey of suspense and super steamy encounters featuring to-die-for male characters and heroines who are stronger than they think they are.

Samantha's been through a lot in the previous book, tortured and enslaved by a rogue witch, and is trying to come to terms with what happened to her and how her life has changed.  She's sworn off vampires but quickly falls for the heretofore unseen charms of Luca, who's sworn off humans after losing his mortal love a lifetime ago.  Just as she falls for him immediately, so does he.  Considering how vehement they were in their swearing off ofs, their relationship never felt totally believable.  It seemed as though they were mostly in lust rather than love, and considering the sexual prowess of vampires this seemed even more likely.

Along with focusing on this couple we revisit the main couple of the previous book with their scenes seamlessly woven into this new story.  While it's not necessary to have read the first book to relate to the previous book's couple, to better understand what Samantha went through and her continuing issues reading the previous book would only enhance the enjoyment of this one.  Along with vampires and witches we're also introduced to werewolves.  Sexy Alpha Wolf Tristan and his sister Kat make a memorable appearance with their separate storyline running alongside and veering into the story of Luca and Samantha.  The final chapter puts them in the forefront with their lives in danger and this reader screaming in happy frustration.

While I found the heroine a bit naive and judgemental at times Luca completely won me over.  His strength and dripping sensuality had me completely enthralled and, through a slow middle section, kept me turning the pages.  The glimpses we got of Tristan have me excited for the next book in the series.  Considering the author's sweat-inducing and satisfyingly well-written sexual encounters I can't wait to see who he's paired with!  Here's to the continuation of an entertaining and sexy series set in the exotic South!

My rating for this is a B+

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

BUY AT:   Amazon US   |   Amazon UK

AUTHOR BIO:

Luca’s Magic Embrace is my second paranormal romance novel, which is the second novel in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and I started advocating on his behalf. 
Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.  I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things regarding vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals.

Website: www.KymGrosso.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks

Twitter: @KymGrosso

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso

**********GIVEAWAY**********

Giveaway is a ecopy of Luca’s Magic Embrace (Kindle version) and an ecopy of Kade’s Dark Embrace (any format- Kindle, pdf, epub).

-Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE.
-To be entered, leave a comment, along with your email addy.
-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 12/18.